Hartlepool'S crest-fallen players were last night united as they left the Millennium Stadium.

Pool saw their dream of Championship football snatched away after referee Phil Crossley awarded Sheffield Wednesday a late penalty and lifeline as he dismissed Chris Westwood for a professional foul.

The Pool defender was in tears after the game, following his side's 4-2 extra time defeat.

And goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos joined Micky Nelson in hitting out at the official.

The last time Crossley was at the Millennium Stadium was as fourth official when he sent Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho from the sidelines during the Carling Cup final.

Once again the Bromley blower was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

"We didn't deserve that to happen,'' said the big Greek. "For me, the decision was wrong.

"I was the player there and the ball came to me. It was very harsh. It happened at the end where all the Sheffield Wednesday fans were as well, so perhaps that has made his mind up.

"Then I nearly saved the penalty - the ball hit my hand and part of my leg, but it went in. At Tranmere I got my body to it and it bounced over the bar, but this time it wasn't to be.

"It is very hard to take and understand. If we had lost heavily by three or four goals, then you could take defeat, but not like that.

"We were so close. In the second half we played very well and we can take a lot of pride from that.

"Playing in extra time with ten men was difficult and we had a lot of tired players, but the score wasn't a fair result.''

He added: "Getting here and not being able to complete it by getting promotion isn't a nice feeling. The players are devastated in the dressing room.

"We don't do things easy, I think we always do things the Hartlepool way.''

Nelson saw his soulmate Westwood walk off the field and had some harsh words for Crossley after the decision.

The pair have been in fine form all season and he said: "One decision has cost us and I hope the referee can sleep in his bed tonight.

"We were in a strong position and we had it taken away from us.

"But we have had a tremendous season and now it's up to us to go one further. We suffered last season and bounced back to make the play-offs; now let's do it again.''